Exquisitely incised, handled jug with sgraffito animals.Hannah Barlow, the godmother of Doulton's burgeoning art pottery experiment, began producing her signature style- lively, naturalistic animal and wildlife sketches scribed directly into wet clay- in the late 1860's, helping to establish Doulton's Lambeth studio as being capable of both technical precision and inspired art. This excellent example showcases her passion for big cats and foxes (she was often photographed holding one of the pet foxes that made up her family home's wildlife refuge and farm) and is signed with a small version of her common signature, introduced in 1872. This, along with the lack of a Doulton roundel, minimal glaze work, and darker ground, suggests a very early design from the acclaimed Barlow sister, likely c. 1871-1873. Artist: Hannah Barlow Issued: 1871-1875 Dimensions: 10.25"H x 5"D Manufacturer: Doulton Country of Origin: England